Page 109 of Sweet Home Louisiana

She launched herself at him, wrapping her arms around his neck and her legs around his waist.

He caught her under her ass with a little chuckle.“What’s this for?”

“I love you so much.And I’m not leaving.I want to behere.I should have told you that before I left Ellie’s tonight.”

Emotion flared in his eyes.“What about your painting?”

“I think I’ll paint again,” she said.“And if not—” She glanced at the Boys of the Bayou sign, then at the people gathered at the end of the dock.“Painting was how I let my feelings out.And it was just a substitution for everything I can have here.”She looked into Owen’s eyes again.“I can laugh and yell and fight and love here.Out loud, in person, up close.I don’t need paintbrushes here.This is allrealand it’s…what I want.What I really need.”

She felt Owen’s hands on her ass squeeze.“God, I love you so fucking much.And I’m going to give you atonof ways to let your feelings out.”

Maddie kissed him deeply before pulling back and frowning at him.“But you have to quit doing stuff that could put you in the hospital,” she told him.

He squeezed her ass again.“Not if it gets methis.”

“I’m serious, Owen.You almost gave me a heart attack.”

He looked at her for a moment.Then he shook his head.“If I hadn’t done it, you would have.”

“Jumped onto the other boat to take over and keep those guys from crashing into the dock?”

He nodded.

Her eyes went to the jackasses being led to George’s car.The ones that would have been seriously injured.Or killed.Even though it would have been their own stupid fault.She sighed.“Yeah,maybe.Or something.”

“It’s the ‘or something’ that is part of why I love you so much,” he said.“And it’s part of why you love me.”

“You think so?You don’t think it’s your magic tongue?”

He squeezed her ass.“Oh, it’s also my magic tongue.But you think I’m sexy when I’m taking care of other people.”

She gave in.“It is.And God knows there are a lot of them to take care of down here.”

“There are.And I could really use some help.”

“Taking care ofyoumight be a full-time job.”

He grinned.“I think you’re up for it.”

She hugged him tight.“I am.I’m all in.”She let him go and slid down his body.“So now what?”

“To my house.To celebrate.”

“Celebrate what?”she teased.

“Everything.”

Her heart melted a little at that.But she asked, “By burning your agreement with Bennett, right?”

“You and burning stuff,” he said, shaking his head.“Can we just tear it up?”

“Burning seems more final.And dramatic.”

He rolled his eyes.“It will also take longer.Which means longer until I get you naked.And longer to tell you I love you a few million times.”

She started to reply, but George interrupted.

“Maddie, Owen, we’re going to need a statement.”

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